Coffee Industry Sees Innovation, Market Challenges, and Record Auctions Today

SoSo Coffee Launches Thailand’s First -86°C Dirty Coffee

SoSo Coffee, a premium Thai café brand managed by Boben Brand Management Co., Ltd., introduced an innovative beverage called “Dirty Coffee -86°C.” This unique drink features hot espresso poured into a glass chilled to an extraordinary -86°C, creating a striking temperature contrast that enhances flavor and texture. The frosted glass, chilled for over 12 hours, causes the espresso to deliver a sharp chill followed by a velvety, ice cream-like finish, marking a pioneering moment in Thailand’s coffee scene (minimeinsights.com, 12 Oct 2025).

Longboard Specialty Coffee Sets Auction Records After Founder’s Passing

Longboard Specialty Coffee, known for high-end Panamanian Gesha coffee, set new auction records with its inaugural “Into the Mist” private auction, held shortly after the death of founder Justin Boudeman. The auction, hosted on the M-Cultivo platform, fetched an average price of $4,668 per kilogram, with some lots exceeding $10,000 per kilogram. This event not only honored Boudeman’s legacy of organic and biodynamic coffee production but also underscored the company’s commitment to quality and innovation in specialty coffee. The business continues under the stewardship of Boudeman’s family, maintaining the founder’s vision (dailycoffeenews.com, 10 Oct 2025).

US Coffee Prices Reach 25-Year Highs Amid Supply Pressures

Coffee prices across the United States have surged to levels not seen in 25 years, driven by global market pressures, US tariffs on imports, and adverse weather conditions in key producing countries like Brazil and Vietnam. Arabica coffee futures hit a record $4.24 per pound, with roasted coffee prices rising over 20% year-on-year as of August 2025. These increases are reflected in higher consumer prices at major chains such as Starbucks and New York City coffee carts, although McDonald’s McCafé remains a comparatively affordable option. The price surge is attributed mainly to drought impacts in Brazil and heavy rainfall in Vietnam, coupled with the ongoing tariff challenges (The Economic Times, 12 Oct 2025).

Growth Slows in US Branded Coffee Shop Market Amid Cost Pressures

The US branded coffee shop market grew by 4.2% to 45,277 stores but experienced a slowdown in outlet growth due to soaring commodity coffee prices, inflation, and trade tariffs. Starbucks announced plans to close hundreds of company-owned stores in September 2025. However, the drive-thru coffee segment showed resilience, with Dutch Bros leading growth and other operators like 7 Brew and Black Rock Coffee Bar expanding rapidly. New entrants from China, including Luckin Coffee and Cotti Coffee, also contributed to market dynamics. Despite challenges, over half of US industry leaders reported positive sales, indicating ongoing demand for coffee despite economic pressures (worldcoffeeportal.com, 12 Oct 2025).